1839 Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head ShieldOne of the most difficult dates of Victoria shield sovereigns. The non-proof circulation version is scarcer than the proof version, which seems to turn up quite frequently. We believe it is under-rated, certainly compared with the 1838.

In common with all the other dates of "First Head" shield sovereigns from 1838 to 1848, the portrait is not only slightly smaller, but also in slightly higher relief. Trying to spot the differences in detail is quite difficult, but it is very easy to sort them "by sight", because once you get used to looking at the different variations, you should be able to recognise the first head instantly.All these early shields are now in strong demand, especially in top grades.

1839 There are Restrike Victoria Shield Gold Sovereigns

Named after the English gold sovereign, last minted in 1604, the name was revived with the Great Recoinage of 1816. Minting these new sovereigns began in 1817. The gold content was fixed by the coin act of 1816 at 1320/5607 (0.235420) troy ounces 7.322381 g, nearly equivalent to 113 grains. This weight has remained almost constant to the present day — rounding at 10-6 g took place on its legal redefinition in the decimalised rather than fractional system of coin weights.